Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County

Union County Master Gardeners Harvest More Than 1,600 Pounds of Fresh Produce for Local Food Pantries and Social Service Agencies

The Sharing Garden and Annex have donated more than 32,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to Union County residents since 2002

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County are celebrating another successful growing season at the Sharing Garden and Annex, located within the Demonstration Gardens at the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside. Through mid- September 2026, volunteers harvested more than 1,600 pounds of fresh vegetables, surpassing the gardens’ total production for all of 2025.

All produce grown in the Sharing Garden and Annex is donated to 12 food banks and social service agencies throughout Union County, helping provide fresh, nutritious food to individuals and families in need.

Established in 2002, the Sharing Garden and Annex have now grown and donated more than 32,000 pounds of fresh produce to local organizations. This longstanding community service initiative demonstrates how volunteer gardening can make a meaningful difference in addressing food insecurity while promoting healthy eating.

The 2026 growing season benefited from recently replaced raised garden beds. Master Gardener volunteers began planting seeds in the greenhouse in mid-March, followed by outdoor planting in April. Early harvests included lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, radishes, turnips and bok choy, followed later in the season with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, green beans, zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, collard greens, basil and Swiss chard.

Produce distribution begins in June and continues through mid-October, providing participating organizations with a variety of seasonal vegetables. The impact of these donations is reflected in the appreciation expressed by the organizations receiving them. Covenant Place, a subsidized senior housing facility in Plainfield, shared:

“Our residents loved the produce that you provided them this year. With your help we are able to combat hunger by making sure that our residents get the nutritious food that they need.”

On September 1st alone, volunteers delivered 87 pounds of fresh produce to St. Joseph’s Social Service Program in Elizabeth, one of the organizations benefiting from the harvest.

Recognizing the Dedication of Master Gardener Volunteers

Patricia Paul, President of the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County, expressed the Executive Board’s appreciation for the volunteers whose commitment makes the Sharing Garden and Annex possible.

“On behalf of the Executive Board, I want to express our sincere appreciation to the Sharing Garden and Annex volunteers. They make it possible for us to provide thousands of pounds of fresh, nutritious produce to our neighbors in need. We also want to thank the volunteers who removed and replaced the aging raised garden beds. We are proud of what our volunteers have accomplished and the meaningful difference they continue to make throughout Union County.”

Union County Commissioner Stanley J. Neron also recognized the importance of the gardens and the volunteers who sustain this community service initiative.

“The Sharing Garden and Annex are wonderful examples of how Union County’s parks can serve our communities in meaningful ways. Thanks to the dedication of the Rutgers Master Gardeners, thousands of pounds of fresh, locally grown vegetables are reaching residents who need them most. The Union County Board of County Commissioners is grateful for the volunteers who give their time and talents to this important initiative. Their efforts demonstrate the impact that volunteerism, environmental stewardship and community partnerships can have on the lives of Union County residents.”

Applications for the Master Gardener Program 2026-27 Training Course are now closed. If you would like to be notified about the next class offering, please fill out this Interest Form.

“By engaging in volunteer work, participants gain a deeper understanding of the positive impacts their contributions have on our environment and the community at large,” said Union County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Liaison to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

“The Master Gardener Program is one of the many volunteer opportunities offered in Union County. I encourage residents to look into the program and attend an orientation session to find out if it’s a good fit for them.”

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Union County is a volunteer program offered through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, NJ Agriculture Experiment Stations and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in cooperation with the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

It is supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board, with administrative assistance and office space in Berkeley Heights, land for the Demonstration Garden, and funding for special projects. Rutgers Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.

Contact your local Extension Office for information regarding special needs or accommodations. Contact the State Extension Director’s Office if you have concerns related to discrimination, 848-932-3584.